Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An information handling system, comprising: a socket affixed to a printed circuit board of the information handling system; a first device including a first data communication interface connected to a first socket area of the socket; a second device including a second data communication interface connected to a second socket area of the socket; a first host processor including a third data communication interface connected to a third socket area of the socket; and an interposer that, when installed into the socket in a first orientation, connects the first data communication interface to the third data communication interface, and when installed into the socket in a second orientation, connects the first data communication interface to the second data communication interface.
The invention relates to an information handling system designed to enhance data communication flexibility between devices and a host processor. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently routing data between multiple components in a compact and modular manner. The key components include a socket affixed to a printed circuit board, a first device with a data communication interface, a second device with another data communication interface, and a host processor with its own data communication interface. The socket is divided into distinct areas to accommodate these interfaces. An interposer is used to dynamically reconfigure the connections. When installed in a first orientation, the interposer links the first device directly to the host processor. When installed in a second orientation, it connects the first device to the second device instead. This modular approach allows for flexible data routing without requiring physical rewiring or additional hardware, optimizing space and reducing complexity in the system architecture. The interposer acts as a switchable bridge, enabling different communication pathways based on its orientation, thereby improving adaptability in system design.
2. The information handling system of claim 1 , further comprising: a second host processor including a fourth data communication interface connected to a fourth socket area of the socket, wherein, when the interposer is installed into the socket in the first orientation, the interposer connects the second data communication interface to the fourth data communication interface.
This invention relates to information handling systems, specifically addressing the challenge of flexible and scalable data communication between multiple host processors within a single system. The system includes a socket with multiple socket areas, an interposer installed in the socket, and at least one host processor with a data communication interface connected to a socket area. The interposer is designed to be installed in different orientations, allowing it to selectively connect different data communication interfaces between host processors. When the interposer is installed in a first orientation, it connects a second data communication interface of a first host processor to a fourth data communication interface of a second host processor. This enables direct communication between the two host processors, enhancing system performance and flexibility. The interposer's configurable orientation allows for dynamic reconfiguration of communication paths without physical re-routing, simplifying system design and maintenance. The invention improves data transfer efficiency and scalability in multi-processor environments by providing a modular and adaptable interconnection solution.
3. The information handling system of claim 2 , wherein, when the interposer is installed into the socket in the second orientation, the second and fourth data communication interfaces are not connected to any device of the information handling system.
An information handling system includes a socket with a first orientation and a second orientation for receiving an interposer. The interposer has a first data communication interface, a second data communication interface, a third data communication interface, and a fourth data communication interface. When the interposer is installed in the first orientation, the first and third data communication interfaces are connected to devices of the information handling system, while the second and fourth data communication interfaces are not connected. When the interposer is installed in the second orientation, the second and fourth data communication interfaces are connected to devices of the information handling system, while the first and third data communication interfaces are not connected. This configuration allows the interposer to selectively route data between different devices in the system based on its orientation, providing flexibility in system configuration. The interposer may include additional components such as a processor, memory, or other circuitry to facilitate data communication. The system may be used in computing devices where dynamic reconfiguration of data paths is required, such as in modular or reconfigurable computing environments. The interposer's orientation-based switching mechanism simplifies hardware design by eliminating the need for additional switching components.
4. The information handling system of claim 2 , wherein: the first device further includes a fifth data communication interface connected to the first host processor; and the second device further includes a sixth data communication interface connected to the second host processor.
This invention relates to information handling systems, specifically those involving multiple devices with interconnected host processors. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing data communication between devices in a distributed computing environment. The invention includes a first device with a host processor and a data communication interface, and a second device with another host processor and a data communication interface. These interfaces facilitate communication between the host processors, enabling coordinated processing tasks. The first device further includes an additional data communication interface connected to its host processor, and the second device includes a corresponding additional data communication interface connected to its host processor. These extra interfaces enhance the system's communication capabilities, allowing for redundant or parallel data paths between the devices. The system may be used in high-availability computing environments where reliable and efficient data exchange is critical. The invention improves upon prior systems by providing multiple communication channels, which can increase data throughput, reduce latency, and enhance fault tolerance. The host processors in each device manage the data flow through these interfaces, ensuring seamless integration and operation within the system. This configuration supports scalable and robust computing architectures, particularly in applications requiring high-speed data processing and reliable inter-device communication.
5. The information handling system of claim 4 , wherein the fifth and sixth data communication interfaces are routed via the socket when the interposer is installed into the socket in both the first and second orientations.
This invention relates to an information handling system with an interposer module that enables flexible data communication routing. The system includes a socket with multiple data communication interfaces, an interposer installed in the socket, and a circuit board. The interposer has a first orientation and a second orientation, each allowing different configurations of data communication paths. The interposer routes signals between the circuit board and the socket, with the routing depending on the interposer's orientation. The system includes at least five data communication interfaces, where the fifth and sixth interfaces are routed through the socket regardless of the interposer's orientation. This ensures consistent connectivity for these interfaces while allowing the other interfaces to be reconfigured based on the interposer's position. The interposer may include conductive traces or other routing elements to establish these connections. The invention addresses the need for modular and adaptable data communication routing in electronic systems, particularly where different configurations are required without physical reconfiguration of the circuit board or socket. The system simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs by allowing a single interposer design to support multiple routing configurations.
6. The information handling system of claim 1 , wherein: the socket includes a first key way and a second key way; and the interposer includes a key that interfaces with the first key way when the interposer is installed into the socket in the first orientation, and that interfaces with the second key way when the interposer is installed into the socket in the second orientation.
This invention relates to information handling systems, specifically addressing the challenge of securely and adaptably interfacing components within a socket. The system includes a socket with two distinct key ways and an interposer with a key designed to engage either of these key ways. The interposer can be installed in the socket in two different orientations. In the first orientation, the interposer's key aligns with and interfaces with the first key way of the socket. In the second orientation, the interposer's key aligns with and interfaces with the second key way of the socket. This dual-orientation capability allows the interposer to be used in multiple configurations, enhancing flexibility in system assembly and component compatibility. The socket and interposer are designed to ensure proper alignment and secure connection in either orientation, preventing misalignment or improper installation. This solution simplifies manufacturing and reduces the need for multiple specialized components by enabling a single interposer to function in different orientations. The invention is particularly useful in systems where adaptability and efficient use of space are critical.
7. The information handling system of claim 6 , wherein the first and second key ways include first and second barrels, and the key includes a pin.
The invention relates to an information handling system designed to securely manage and process sensitive data, addressing the need for enhanced physical security in hardware components. The system incorporates a key-based locking mechanism to restrict unauthorized access to internal elements such as storage drives or expansion slots. The core of the security feature involves a keyway assembly consisting of two barrels and a corresponding pin. The first and second barrels are integrated into the system's chassis or housing, forming aligned passages through which the pin must pass to engage or disengage the locking mechanism. The pin, which is part of the key, interacts with these barrels to ensure proper alignment and secure locking. When inserted, the pin aligns with the barrels, allowing the key to rotate or move into position, thereby securing or releasing the protected component. This dual-barrel design enhances security by requiring precise alignment of the pin with both barrels, preventing tampering or forced entry with improvised tools. The mechanism ensures that only a correctly configured key can operate the lock, reducing the risk of unauthorized access while maintaining ease of use for authorized personnel.
8. The information handling system of claim 6 , wherein the first and second key ways include first and second slots, and the key includes a tab.
An information handling system is designed to enhance security by preventing unauthorized access to components, such as memory modules, within the system. The system includes a key mechanism that ensures only authorized users or components can be installed or removed. The key mechanism comprises a key and a key way, where the key way is a physical structure that interacts with the key to allow or restrict access. The key way includes slots that align with a tab on the key, ensuring proper engagement. The system may include multiple key ways, such as first and second key ways, each with corresponding slots that interact with the tab on the key. This interaction ensures that only keys with the correct tab configuration can engage with the key ways, preventing unauthorized access. The key mechanism may be used in various applications, such as securing memory modules or other critical components within the system. The design ensures that only authorized keys can unlock or lock the system, enhancing security and preventing tampering. The system may also include additional features, such as sensors or indicators, to verify the presence of an authorized key before allowing access. This approach provides a robust physical security solution for information handling systems.
9. The information handling system of claim 1 , wherein the socket and the interposer include mating circuit connector halves of a pin-and-barrel type connector.
The invention relates to an information handling system with an improved socket and interposer design for connecting components. The system addresses challenges in securely and efficiently interfacing components within an information handling system, particularly focusing on the connection between a socket and an interposer. The socket and interposer are designed with mating circuit connector halves of a pin-and-barrel type connector. This configuration ensures a reliable electrical and mechanical connection, facilitating signal transmission and structural stability. The pin-and-barrel design allows for precise alignment and secure engagement, reducing the risk of misalignment or disconnection during operation. The interposer acts as an intermediary between the socket and another component, such as a processor or memory module, enabling efficient data transfer and power distribution. The system may also include a housing that supports the socket and interposer, ensuring proper positioning and protection from environmental factors. The overall design enhances performance, durability, and ease of assembly in information handling systems.
10. The information handling system of claim 1 , wherein the socket and the interposer include mating circuit connector halves of a bump-and-pad type connector.
The invention relates to an information handling system with an improved socket and interposer design for connecting components. The system addresses the challenge of securely and efficiently interfacing electronic components, particularly in high-density or high-performance computing environments where traditional connectors may fail to provide sufficient electrical and mechanical reliability. The system includes a socket and an interposer, each equipped with mating circuit connector halves of a bump-and-pad type connector. This design ensures precise alignment and robust electrical connections between the socket and interposer, reducing signal integrity issues and mechanical stress. The bump-and-pad connector halves feature raised conductive bumps on one surface and corresponding conductive pads on the other, enabling a reliable connection when pressed together. This configuration enhances thermal dissipation, signal transmission, and mechanical stability, making it suitable for advanced computing applications. The interposer may also include additional features, such as signal routing or power distribution, to optimize performance. The overall design improves durability, reduces failure rates, and supports higher data transfer speeds compared to conventional connectors.
11. A method, comprising: affixing a socket to a printed circuit board of an information handling system; connecting a first data communication interface of a first device to a first socket area of the socket; connecting a second data communication interface of a second device to a second socket area of the socket; connecting a third data communication interface of a first host processor to a third socket area of the socket; installing, into the socket, an interposer in a first orientation, wherein when installed into the socket in the first orientation, the interposer connects the first data communication interface to the third data communication interface; and installing, into the socket, the interposer in a second orientation, wherein, when installed into the socket in the second orientation, the interposer connects the first data communication interface to the second data communication interface.
The invention relates to a method for dynamically reconfiguring data communication paths in an information handling system using a socket and an interposer. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently routing data between multiple devices and a host processor without requiring physical rewiring or hardware modifications. The method involves affixing a socket to a printed circuit board, which has distinct areas for connecting a first device, a second device, and a host processor. An interposer is inserted into the socket in one of two possible orientations. In the first orientation, the interposer establishes a direct communication path between the first device and the host processor. In the second orientation, the interposer reroutes the connection to link the first device with the second device instead. This reconfigurable design allows flexible data routing, enabling dynamic switching between different communication configurations without hardware changes. The interposer acts as a modular component that can be physically rotated to alter the data flow, providing a cost-effective and adaptable solution for system integration and testing. The method ensures compatibility with existing hardware while enhancing flexibility in system architecture.
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising: connecting a fourth data communication interface of a second host processor to a fourth socket area of the socket, wherein, when the interposer is installed into the socket in the first orientation, the interposer connects the second data communication interface to the fourth data communication interface.
This invention relates to a system for enabling data communication between host processors using an interposer installed in a socket. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and efficient data communication pathways between multiple host processors in a computing system, particularly when the physical layout or orientation of components restricts direct connections. The system includes a socket with multiple socket areas, each designed to interface with a host processor. An interposer is installed into the socket in a specific orientation, acting as an intermediary to route data signals. The interposer has multiple data communication interfaces that connect to corresponding socket areas. When the interposer is installed in a first orientation, it establishes a direct connection between a second data communication interface of a first host processor and a fourth data communication interface of a second host processor. This allows data to be transmitted between the two host processors through the interposer, bypassing the need for external cabling or additional hardware. The interposer may also include additional interfaces and routing logic to support multiple communication pathways, depending on its orientation within the socket. The system is particularly useful in high-performance computing environments where low-latency, high-bandwidth communication between processors is critical.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein, when the interposer is installed into the socket in the second orientation, the third and fourth data communication interfaces are not connected to any device of the information handling system.
The invention relates to an interposer device for interfacing between a processor and a socket in an information handling system, addressing the need for flexible configuration of data communication interfaces. The interposer includes a first data communication interface for connecting to the processor and a second data communication interface for connecting to the socket. The interposer can be installed in two distinct orientations. In the first orientation, the first and second data communication interfaces are connected, enabling data transfer between the processor and the socket. In the second orientation, a third and fourth data communication interface on the interposer are not connected to any device of the information handling system, allowing for selective activation or deactivation of certain communication paths. This design provides a modular approach to managing data communication, enabling system designers to configure or disable specific interfaces based on orientation, improving flexibility in system architecture and troubleshooting. The interposer may also include additional features such as signal routing, power management, or thermal management to enhance system performance.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein: the first device further includes a fifth data communication interface connected to the first host processor; and the second device further includes a sixth data communication interface connected to the second host processor.
This invention relates to a system for data communication between two devices, addressing the challenge of efficiently transferring data between host processors in different devices. The system includes a first device with a first host processor and a second device with a second host processor. The first device has a first data communication interface connected to the first host processor and a second data communication interface connected to a first peripheral device. The second device has a third data communication interface connected to the second host processor and a fourth data communication interface connected to a second peripheral device. The system enables data transfer between the first and second host processors via the peripheral devices, bypassing direct host-to-host communication. Additionally, the first device includes a fifth data communication interface connected to the first host processor, and the second device includes a sixth data communication interface connected to the second host processor. These interfaces provide alternative or supplementary communication paths, enhancing flexibility and redundancy in data transfer. The system is designed to improve data exchange efficiency and reliability in scenarios where direct host-to-host communication is impractical or inefficient.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the fifth and sixth data communication interfaces are routed via the socket when the interposer is installed into the socket in both the first and second orientations.
This invention relates to a data communication system involving an interposer with multiple data communication interfaces and a socket designed to accommodate the interposer in two distinct orientations. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and reliable data routing in electronic systems where components must function correctly regardless of their physical orientation. The interposer includes at least five data communication interfaces, with the fifth and sixth interfaces being specifically configured to maintain connectivity when the interposer is installed in the socket in either a first or second orientation. The socket is designed to support this dual-orientation functionality, ensuring that the fifth and sixth interfaces are properly routed through the socket in both configurations. This allows the interposer to be installed in either orientation without disrupting data communication, enhancing system flexibility and reducing installation errors. The invention may also include additional features such as alignment mechanisms to ensure proper positioning of the interposer within the socket, further improving reliability. The system is particularly useful in applications where components must be interchangeable or where orientation-dependent connections are undesirable.
16. The method of claim 11 , wherein: the socket includes a first key way and a second key way; and the interposer includes a key that interfaces with the first key way when the interposer is installed into the socket in the first orientation, and that interfaces with the second key way when the interposer is installed into the socket in the second orientation.
This invention relates to electronic component sockets and interposers used in testing or interfacing with integrated circuits. The problem addressed is the need for a socket and interposer system that allows for flexible orientation of the interposer to accommodate different testing or connection configurations without requiring separate sockets for each orientation. The system includes a socket with two distinct key ways, which are alignment features that ensure proper positioning of the interposer. The interposer has a key that can interface with either of the two key ways in the socket, depending on the orientation in which the interposer is installed. When the interposer is installed in a first orientation, its key aligns with the first key way in the socket, establishing a specific electrical or mechanical connection. When installed in a second orientation, the interposer's key aligns with the second key way, enabling a different connection configuration. This dual-orientation capability simplifies testing and reduces the need for multiple sockets or adapters, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The system is particularly useful in automated testing environments where quick reconfiguration is required.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the first and second key ways include first and second barrels, and the key includes a pin.
This invention relates to a mechanical locking system designed to enhance security by preventing unauthorized access. The system includes a lock mechanism with a key that interacts with multiple key ways, each containing a barrel. The key features a pin that engages with these barrels to control the locking and unlocking process. The first and second key ways are configured to receive the pin, allowing the key to rotate within the lock mechanism. The barrels within the key ways are designed to move in response to the pin's position, ensuring that only the correct key can align the barrels properly to unlock the mechanism. This design improves security by making it difficult for unauthorized keys or tools to manipulate the lock. The system may also include additional key ways and barrels to further enhance security. The interaction between the key's pin and the barrels ensures that only a specifically designed key can operate the lock, reducing the risk of tampering or forced entry. The invention is particularly useful in high-security applications where traditional locking mechanisms may be vulnerable to picking or other forms of attack.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein the first and second key ways include first and second slots, and the key includes a tab.
This invention relates to a locking mechanism for securing a device, such as a portable electronic device, to a fixed structure. The problem addressed is the need for a secure yet easily detachable connection that prevents unauthorized removal while allowing authorized users to quickly release the device. The mechanism includes a locking assembly with a key and a housing. The housing has a first key way and a second key way, each containing slots. The key has a tab that engages with these slots to lock or unlock the device. The first and second key ways are positioned to ensure proper alignment and secure engagement. The key is inserted into the first key way, where the tab aligns with the first slot, and then moved to the second key way, where the tab engages the second slot, completing the locking action. This two-step process enhances security by requiring precise movement to lock or unlock the device. The invention ensures that the device remains securely attached unless the key is used correctly, preventing tampering or accidental detachment. The design allows for quick release when needed, making it suitable for applications where both security and convenience are important. The use of slots and tabs in the key ways provides a robust locking mechanism that resists forced removal.
19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the socket and the interposer include mating circuit connector halves of a pin-and-barrel type connector or of a bump-and-pad type connector.
This invention relates to electronic packaging, specifically to the connection between a socket and an interposer in a computing system. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connections between these components, which is critical for signal integrity and thermal management in high-performance systems. The invention describes a method for connecting a socket and an interposer using mating circuit connector halves. The connectors may be of a pin-and-barrel type, where pins on one component engage with corresponding barrels on the other, or a bump-and-pad type, where conductive bumps on one surface align with pads on the other. These connectors provide both electrical contact and mechanical alignment, ensuring stable connections under thermal and mechanical stress. The socket and interposer are designed to interface with each other through these connectors, allowing for efficient signal transmission and power delivery. The pin-and-barrel or bump-and-pad configurations help minimize contact resistance and reduce the risk of misalignment or disconnection. This method is particularly useful in high-density interconnect applications where precision and reliability are essential. The invention improves upon existing solutions by providing a standardized, robust connection mechanism that supports high-speed data transfer and thermal dissipation in advanced electronic systems.
Unknown
December 29, 2020
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.